1199. Equipped to Meet Life's Challenges

“What I’d love to do is public speaking. Sure I’ve been a spokesman.  Sure I’ve made inroads. But I want to get on-stage. I want to travel. I want to speak. I want to show people that if you are determined and you persevere, there is nothing you cannot do–whether you are disabled or able-bodied. It is a mindset. A lot of individuals who are disabled don’t have the opportunity to express themselves. I would like to show them how to do it!”

Sixty-eight years ago, Spann Cordle’s parents made a decision that was ahead of their time. They chose to treat Spann as any other child and equip him to face life’s challenges. Born with a disability, he went to elementary school riding a tricycle to strengthen his legs, learned to swim, took driver’s ed in high school, and was on the drama team. After being a state probation officer for several years, in 2007 he became a full-time employee at Walmart in northwest Georgia. He has found it to be an excellent opportunity to spread disability awareness by demonstrating his workplace dedication and winning attitude day after day. Walmart has recognized his contributions by making him their spokesperson at other Walmart locations across the country. His hometown of Summerville, Georgia, held a celebration for him and dedicated a new art installation for disability awareness. But the best recognition is from the Walmart customers who stop to talk and tell him that he always provides them with encouragement. Spann strives to do the same for all of the disabled community.